Chinchilla

 Native to the Andes region of South America,  Chinchillas are primarily nocturnal.  Their diet consists mainly of Timothy hay along with chinchilla food pellets.  The lifespan of a chinchilla  can range from 10 to 20 years.

Chinchillas generally have a gentle disposition and are truly adorable.  They are very clean pets and as long as their cage is properly maintained, they have essentially no odor.

As we mentioned before, chinchillas are totally harmless.  Unless you happen to be a raisin.  Chinchillas really like raisins.

Chinchillas are relatively easy pets to care for.  They are quiet and do not require a great deal of attention, yet enjoy attention when it is given to them and are very entertaining.

Chinchillas have very soft, thick, luxurious fur.  In fact it is so thick that they can't get fleas or ticks.  They are also hypoallergenic, in other words people who are allergic to other pets are usually not allergic to chinchillas.  

They generally rest during the day, becoming active in the early evening.  In other words, around the time you get home from work your pet chin is up and ready to play.

Chinchillas come in a variety of colors.  The standard color of chinchillas is grey,  however over the years breeders have cultivated many other colors through selective breeding, including Pink White, Beige, Black Velvet, Brown Velvet, Ebony, Violet and Sapphire.

Chinchillas clean themselves by taking dust baths in special chinchilla dust made from ground up volcanic rock.  This is necessary to remove excess oils from their fur.  They should have their dust bath at least three times a week. 

Originating from a mountainous region, chinchillas are sensitive to high temperatures.   They should be kept in a room no warmer than 75 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity.  Exposure to temperatures greater than 80 degrees Fahrenheit can cause heat stroke and death, especially if combined with high humidity.  A general rule of thumb is if the temperature in Fahrenheit plus the humidity equals or exceeds 150 your chins are at risk of heat stroke. 

Clean water provided in a water bottle should be available to the chin at all times.  As chins are susceptible to Giardia and other intestinal parasites we recommend using bottled water or boiling tap water to sterilize it. 

Chinchillas should be kept in either cages with wire floors or cages with a solid floor covered with pine shavings.  We prefer the cages with the wire floor as it is easier to maintain a clean, hygienic environment for the chin.  The mesh of the wire floor should be no greater than 1/2"x1/2".  If you choose to go with the solid floor, the cage will need to be cleaned and the shavings changed at least weekly.  Pine shavings need to be used as redwood and cedar are poisonous to chinchillas.  Wooden chew toys made of pine should be provided as well.  With cage size, bigger is generally better.  The smallest  cage we would consider using would be at  least 28" high by 24" long by 18" deep. 

An exercise wheel is an excellent idea for a chinchilla as long as it constructed so the chin cannot get its tail or legs caught.  Using a poorly constructed wheel can result broken legs and other injuries.  The best exercise wheel we have found to date is the Leo Braun wheel (see picture below).  It is constructed of powder coated aluminum and uses high quality ball bearings.   

 Bowen, Somovia, Ann's Chinchilla Ranch, Chinchilla Rampage, Cedarview Farms, Whitewoods and Purple Sage.

Prices**: Prices will vary based on color and quality of the chin.

Availability: Please see our Baby Chinchilla page for availability

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